July 16, 2026 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm EDT
The opening of a new student union represents a rare opportunity to shape campus culture, student engagement, and community building for generations. Come hear about the experiences of three institutions:
- Timothy Johnson, Director of Claflin University Student Center, Clafin University
- Eve Esch, Executive Director of Bloomberg Student Center, John Hopkins University
- Dan Goodwin, Senior Director, Student Union & Student Life Programs, University of Texas–Dallas
Participants will gain practical insights into project leadership, operational planning, stakeholder collaboration, and the professional competencies needed to lead transformational campus initiatives.
About the Presenters
Eve Esch serves as executive director of the Bloomberg Student Center at Johns Hopkins University. Johns Hopkins celebrated its sesquicentennial by opening its First Ever Student Center in August 2025.
Eve grew up in Indiana and earned her bachelor’s degree from Purdue University. She earned her master’s from Ohio State University, where she helped them build a brand new building in 2010 and after working there for 16 years moved to Texas to serve as the executive director of the University of Houston’s three student centers, one of which was brand new and another completed renovated in 2015. Eve’s spent her entire career in college unions and student centers and has worked on all aspects of events, conferences and facilities.
Eve enjoys spending time with family (two daughters, one dog, and a tortoise) and is a long-time volunteer for ACUI, currently serving on the Volunteer Development Committee and recently served as a board member for the nonprofit “because I said I would.”
Dr. Dan Goodwin serves as senior director of the Student Union at University of Texas–Dallas, where he leads the strategic vision, operations, and programming of one of the university’s most dynamic student-centered spaces. In this role, he oversees facility management, student engagement initiatives, and large-scale campus events that enrich the student experience and foster a strong sense of community.
With a focus on inclusive leadership and student development, Goodwin is dedicated to creating environments where all students feel welcomed, supported, and connected. His work emphasizes collaboration across campus departments, innovative programming, and responsive services that reflect the evolving needs of a diverse student population.
Goodwin brings extensive experience in higher education administration, with expertise in student affairs, campus operations, and organizational leadership. He is passionate about enhancing campus life through meaningful engagement opportunities, leadership development, and co-curricular experiences that complement academic success.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify critical leadership competencies necessary for opening a new student union.
- Apply best practices for planning, launching, and sustaining a student-centered facility.
- Develop strategies for leading transformational campus projects
ACUI Core Competencies
- Facilities Management
Registration Details
- Campus Pass for Premium or Full Tier Member Campus: $75
- Individual at a Digital Tier Member Campus: $99
- Nonmember: $99
After the initial registration from an individual at a campus, others associated with the campus will be able to register at the $0 complimentary rate. Each person who wants access to event or resources following event should register individually. Members must be associated with the correct campus account to receive the $0 rate, where applicable; please contact acui@acui.org with questions or issues.
Premium and Full Tier members may use a Premier Roundtable Voucher toward this event. Please contact acui@acui.org with questions or issues.
About Ask the Expert
Ask the Expert experiences feature guests with expertise on relevant topics from across the higher education community. These guests will respond to attendee questions and share their insights on how to improve programs and operations.